First focus: materials and fabrics

As the interior architect Paolo Rota, co-founder of the studio Rota-Giorgino, underlines, «introducing a new furry friend into your home is an extraordinary experience, but it's important to stop for a moment and consider the effect this sweet creature will have on our living space (which nowadays is often also our work space).

There is nothing impossible and it is indeed easy and desirable to obtain the perfect mix between aesthetics and functionality, creating a harmonious environment both for us and for our pet.

The first advice I would like to give is toinvest in resistant and easy to clean materials. When it comes to furnishings, coverings and fabrics in general, it is best to opt for robust materials, with a good degree of durability.

In general, fabrics with removable covers are the winners, for example for covering sofas, armchairs and headboards. To be washed frequently at high temperatures, to always have a fresh and clean home.

It is better to avoid the use of carpet and also too many rugs: in the presence of dogs and cats these textile accessories risk becoming an accumulation of mites and hair, not to mention that they could easily be stained by muddy paws. mud and, unfortunately, unwanted poo.

If you love carpets, choose them that are strictly light and have short fibre: they are the easiest to wash without having to go to the dry cleaners every time".

An extra eye is needed in the kitchen and bathroom

There are rooms in the house that potentially put the health of a small dog or cat, who are naturally very curious, at greater risk. They are kitchen and bathroom, let's immediately see why (and how to fix it).

«Just as happens when there is a baby at home, in the kitchen and bathroom it is important to invest in special locks for cabinets and drawers. These storage elements must be blocked, especially when animals are left alone at home, to prevent their paws from being leveraged and thus accessing medicines, chemical products and cosmetics of all kinds.

Rubbish bins should also always be covered and/or placed inside a lockable cabinet. Returning to the topic of hygiene, if you are undergoing a restyling, invest in washable paints.

It is a type of paint on which it is possible to pass the classic sponge with detergent to eliminate dirty stains».